In Germany, it is customary to celebrate the New Year noisily and cheerfully, which is why German youth love this holiday so much. On this day, Germans gather in the streets, in the main squares of the city, set off fireworks or go to bars and clubs.
The custom of celebrating the New Year with noise and dancing is associated with a medieval belief: it was believed that noise could drive away evil spirits. The New Year celebration in Germany, as in some other countries, is called Silvester.
Even on New Year’s Eve in Germany, acquaintances, colleagues and friends, meeting, wish each other «good luck in the new year.» einen guten Rutsch in das Neue Jahr! In addition, when Germans congratulate each other on the New Year, they also say Frohes Neues! (which literally means «happy new»).
Dishes
A traditional dish is baked carp, the silvery scales of which seem to resemble. May the New Year bring more money. However, in recent years, housewives have been preferring less fussy dishes, and fondue or raclette are becoming increasingly popular, as well as snacks — sliced cheeses, ham and various sweets. Fruits are served at the end — tangerines and pineapples, as well as all kinds of desserts and ice cream.
Of the drinks, champagne (der Sekt) is always present, with which glasses are filled when the clock strikes midnight. Other traditional drinks on the New Year’s table are die Bowle and der Punsch. Raising a glass of champagne, the Germans say: «Prosit Neujahr» or «Prost Neujahr». The word «Prost» comes from Latin and translates as «may it work». This is how Germans congratulate each other on the New Year.
Traditions and customs
On New Year’s Eve, many Germans watch holiday TV shows, listen to music, and play board games. Some people think about what the coming year has in store for them, and make wishes.
There is a custom called Bleigießen, fortune telling with lead. A piece of lead is placed in a spoon and heated over a burning candle until the lead begins to melt. Then it is dipped into a container of cold water, after which the lead instantly solidifies, taking on a new shape.
In this form, they try to interpret the meaning of fortune telling, for example, they believe that if the piece of lead is in the shape of a heart, it means falling in love, flowers are considered a sign of a new friendship, etc.
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